a word from our sponsors
See the new shakespeare.com. This feature, while it still provides useful information, is no longer maintained.
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 4.2.97: Top | Help
It's obvious in Othello that Shakespeare made Othello a black man, or a Moor,
to be more exact, for a reason- it holds the power & facination of the piece.
The relationship between Othello & Desdemona is shown once they are married.
Shakespeare doesn't try to win our affection for O. by showing he & Desdemona's
courtship, nor is our first description of their relationship a positive one.
Instead, the distinct contrast between the fair and beautiful Desdemona, and
the respected but shockingly dark Othello is intended by Shakespeare to shock
the audience and make a point. Othello's quest for honor, and subsequent delusions
in believing Desdemona to be untrue, shows that Othello is more pure and honorable
inside than any of the lily white men on the stage. The repeated descriptions of
his blackness, usually a symbol for evil or impurity, only gives a greater contrast
to his very honorable intentions. Shakespeare shows a rare beauty in Othello.Try the book "The Othello: Have we misunderstood Shakespeare's Moor?" by Welker Given,
it can offer more than I can.I'm working on a paper on this, too. Any suggestions?
Posted by sheri on April 10, 1997 at 19:55:29
In Reply to "Othello" posted by Juliette on April 08, 1997 at 12:23:44
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 4.2.97: Top | Help